Lions' McDonald catching on fast

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions pass-catching trio of Roy Williams, Mike Furrey and Calvin Johnson has captured all of the headlines since the team first reported to training camp almost two months ago.

It's Shaun McDonald, though, who has caught more passes.

The team's fourth wide receiver continues to make big plays for the Lions while leading them in receptions.

He led the team in receiving yards in the preseason.

He did it again in his Lions debut against the Oakland Raiders last week, finishing with six receptions for 90 yards, in a 36-21 season-opening win. His 32-yard touchdown grab in the back of the end zone with 4:15 left in the fourth quarter proved to be the game-winning score.

He's used to taking a back seat

If no one notices, he still doesn't mind.

"I'm used to it," McDonald, 26, said. "I came from a team that had Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Kevin Curtis at wide receiver. I don't mind where I'm listed on the depth chart, as long as I get in the game."

The fifth-year pro from Arizona State has made a significant contribution since leaving the St. Louis Rams in the offseason to sign with Detroit as an unrestricted free agent. He weighed offers from the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers before choosing the Lions.

The deciding factor was reuniting with Mike Martz.

The Lions' offensive coordinator and former Rams coach was responsible for taking McDonald in the fourth round of the 2003 draft. In three seasons in Martz's system, he had 93 receptions for 1,079 yards and three touchdowns.

His career totals are 106 catches for 1,215 yards and four TDs.

"I had some offers from other teams, but I felt this was the best chance to get on the field and help a team win," the 5-foot-10, 183-pound McDonald said.

He's made a fast impression on Lions coach Rod Marinelli.

"He is just very confident, he's got great hands and he is so quick," Marinelli said. "He catches that ball and, boy, he'll make a guy miss. You've seen that all the way through the preseason. It was an excellent get for us."

McDonald had 13 catches for a team-high 259 yards in four exhibition games. It included an 83-yard touchdown grab in the preseason opener.

He sees no reason why he can't continue to make big catches.

"The sky's the limit for all of us in this offense," McDonald said. "We've got four guys who all can go up and catch the ball and beat the coverage. I think the player leading us in receiving yards is going to change every week."

It might be him again. Or not. No matter.

"I know Roy's got a big game in him that's coming. The same for Calvin and Mike," he said. "Stats don't really matter. I just want to help this team win."